Multi-fingered robot hand optimal task force distribution: Neural inverse kinematics approach

Grasping and manipulation force distribution optimization of multi-fingered robotic hands can be formulated as a problem for minimizing an objective function subject to form-closure constraints, kinematics, and balance constraints of external force. In this paper we present a novel neural network for dexterous hand-grasping inverse kinematics mapping used in force optimization. The proposed optimization is shown to be globally convergent to the optimal grasping force. The approach followed here is to let an artificial neural network (ANN) learn the nonlinear inverse kinematics functional relating the hand joint positions and displacements to object displacement. This is done by considering the inverse hand Jacobian, in addition to the interaction between hand fingers and the object. The proposed neural-network approach has the advantages that the complexity for implementation is reduced, and the solution accuracy is increased, by avoiding the linearization of quadratic friction constraints. Simulation results show that the proposed neural network can achieve optimal grasping force. c © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.